Environnement and sustainable development

Introduction

In the US, environmental sciences and policies is approached from various levels by the government and academic organizations. At the federal level, most departments have jurisdiction on some aspects of the environment while simultaneously being responsible for supporting part of the US R&D effort. As a consequence a large number of public funds are available to support environmental research and education activities performed in US universities.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) accounts for only 25% of the federal budget in environmental R&D (which amounts to 2 billions $ per year) and does not cover all topics involved. A large part of the relevant public policies and scientific priorities is defined outside EPA in the departments of agriculture, commerce, interior, health and human services, energy, homeland security, transportation, defense, and other affiliated agencies.

As a consequence of the discussions on climate change (greenhouse gases emissions), in the United States it impossible to discuss the environment without mentioning energy. The US administration currently spends more than 2.5 billion $ per year on energy R&D, with an emphasis on biofuels, renewable energies (solar, wind, geothermal), energy efficiency, and clean coal technologies. Moreover, the private sector is a powerful stakeholder in energy R&D through venture capital companies and professional organizations.

Considerable financial and intellectual resources are engaged in environmental science and cover all relevant fields. As is the case for other scientific topics, US environmental research and innovation dominates the international stage. As a consequence, the bilateral scientific cooperation must be conceived according to a niche approach. Among the French comparative advantages we can mention:

  a solid performance in the sustainable management of territories and a good balance between economy, traditions, and environmental conservation
  a holistic scientific culture, based on a higher education system that promotes complexity-based learning
  a sphere of influence in sustainable development target regions (Africa, Pacific, overseas territories)
  the practice of stakeholder cooperation in the management of complex natural systems and resources (continental waters, coastal areas)

Moreover France benefits from environmental experimentation sites that stretch from the equator to Antarctica. This situation, which is essentially unique to France, is a precious capital for the study of environmental issues such as climate change and biodiversity.

Being located in the nation’s capital, the environment and sustainable development sector of the French Embassy performs watch activities primarily at the federal level (US administration, US government, Congress, NGOs). Energy and climate issues dominate our work. Our observation in the field is accomplished through a network of regional focal points, including North Carolina for environmental health, Arizona for water, California for renewable energy, New England for ocean sciences, and so forth.

Priorities in Environment and Sustainable Development

Bilateral cooperation relies on university focal points and core research programs, chiefly at the National Science Foundation and NOAA. On the US and on the French side, priority is given to programs that support multidisciplinary approaches and give access to a large spectrum of stakeholders and territories. The following priorities have been defined for the period from FY 2005 to FY 2010:

 environmental health (biomarkers of exposure)
 ocean sciences (exploration, oceanography, fishery sciences)
 extreme, unstable, and sensitive environments (poles, deserts)
 cities and territories (urban ecology)
 biodiversity

Examples of Actions and Activities

 support for the creation of a bilateral research unit on water sciences at the University of Arizona, Tucson
 coordination of a bilateral workshop of young scientists on environmental sensors
 arrangement of a bilateral workshop on urban ecology
 preparation of parliamentary missions (polar research, fisheries, biodiversityt, new energies)
 writing and editing of reports and technical notes

Information Sheet

Download the information sheet here:

Environment and Sustainable Development - Information Sheet

Contacts

Philippe JAMET
Attaché for Science and Technology
Washington, D.C.
Specialty: Environment and Sustainable Development
attache-envt.mst ambafrance-us.org
Tel : +1 (202) 944-6216
Fax : +1 (202) 944-6244

Phuong PHAM
Assistant
Washington, D.C.
assistant-envt.mst ambafrance-us.org
Tel : +1 (202) 944-6220
Fax : +1 (202) 944-6244